Denton and Texas Woman’s University work together on May is “Exercise is Medicine” month

by Minnie Payne

DENTON — Denton Mayor Perry McNeill issued a proclamation at the April 15 City Council meeting, naming May 2008 as Exercise is Medicine month. The proclamation is one of the first issued in the nation and is part of the month's activities coordinated by Texas Woman's University.

The American College of Sports Medicine and the American Medical Association launched Exercise is Medicine, a new program designed to encourage America's patients to incorporate physical activity and exercise into their daily routine. Exercise is Medicine calls on doctors to prescribe exercise to their patients.

The goal of the Exercise is Medicine program is to encourage physicians to record physical activity as a vital sign during patient visits. Able patients will be advised to participate in at least 30 minutes of physical activity and 10 minutes of stretching and light muscle training five days a week.

This website contains educational materials and toolkits for physicians to use in their practices. The site also includes information for patients, the media, and policymakers, as well as a listing of initial supporting organizations.

According to Roberts E. Sallis, M.D., ACSM president, the public has been advised not to smoke and recommending exercise isn't any different.

"Physicians can support the program by prescribing exercise and offering patients basic educational materials. Exercise can have tremendous health benefits for patients," he said.

Ronald M. Davis, M.D., AMA president, said that more than half of Americans don't get nearly enough exercise and would be astounded to see how much difference a brisk 30-minute walk a few times a week would make in their overall health.

"We encourage physicians to talk to their patients about the importance of exercise and to work with them to establish programs they can start immediately and continue throughout their lives," he said.

Mayor McNeill said that physical inactivity and obesity are two major public health problems, not only in Texas and the United States, but also across the globe.

"I want the citizens of Denton to understand that physical activity will improve health and wellness," he said. "It isn't just about losing weight - just a modest amount of activity can impact cardiovascular health and enhance strength and flexibility."

According to Nancy DiMarco, TWU professor of nutrition and food science and director of the TWU Exercise and Sports Nutrition clinic, the university plans to share information about the Exercise is Medicine initiative with the clinic's clients.

"We will encourage them to visit the website for more information and to talk to their physician about exercise and physical activity," Dr. DiMarco said. "We will also provide 10 free exercise consultations to patients of local physicians and report their progress back to the referring physician."

TWU also plans to give a presentation on the value of exercise in the prevention and treatment of disease to the Denton community on May 13.

Source: Texas Woman's University/Posted by: Minnie